Connector strip for slab formwork

ABSTRACT

A connector strip for slab formwork, characterized in that it has a plurality of spaced coupling regions for engagement with prop heads of formwork props. An assembly of several formwork props on which the coupled connector strip rests. A method for erecting and removing at least part of a slab formwork.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a connector strip for slab formwork, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of spaced coupling regions along its length for engagement with the prop heads of formwork props.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The connector strip according to the invention can be used for slab formwork for the pouring of concrete. It can also be used for other slab formwork as well, however, such as for the temporary underpinning of a slab structure during repair work. The connector strip according to the invention can be used to establish a connection between a first structure and a second structure during construction. The first structure may be, for example, an assembly of elements of the slab formwork, and the second structure may be, for example, a building wall. It may be used to establish other connections as well, for example a connection between slab formwork and an adjacent horizontal steel girder.

To address this problem, customized connection solutions have been found to address these types of connection tasks or the transition region between a first structure and a second structure that were closed manually.

In the connector strip according to the invention, the function of the connection establishment is linked in a new way to the inclusion of formwork props assigned to the connector strip.

The connector strip according to the invention may have a plurality of spaced coupling regions across its length for positive engagement with prop heads of formwork props. The positive engagement can be such that it acts, with respect to forces, substantially in the longitudinal direction of the connector strip; such engagement may be form-fit with regard to forces that act in other directions, but this is not a requirement.

In one embodiment of the invention, the spaced coupling regions referenced each include an end coupling region in the two longitudinal end regions of the connector strip. The two end coupling regions can, but need not, be the only coupling regions of the connector strip. When installed, the connector strip thus spans the distance between a first formwork prop and a second formwork prop.

The respective end coupling region can be configured in such a way that, when coupled to the respective prop head, the connector strip either substantially covers only half the width of the prop head, measured in the longitudinal direction of the connector strip, or covers the entire width of the prop head. Said half-coverage provides a practical possibility to implement a continuation with a further connector strip in the longitudinal direction of the connector strip. The referenced full coverage is particularly advantageous if there is no continuation there with another connector strip, for example because the end of the connector strip touches a building wall.

In one embodiment of the invention, the connector strip between the two end coupling regions comprises at least one intermediate coupling region for engagement with the prop head of a formwork prop. The intermediate coupling region can, but need not, be configured in deviation from the configuration of the end coupling regions. In this embodiment, the connector strip interacts with three or more formwork props. The advantages of this embodiment will become even clearer below in the exemplary embodiments.

The connector strip according to the invention, as disclosed in the previous part of the description, can further be characterized in that at least one of the coupling regions has an insertion region for engagement with a receiving region on a prop head, or that all coupling regions each comprise an insertion region for engagement with a receiving region on a prop head. The “reverse configuration” is possible as well, namely that at least one of the coupling regions has a receiving region for engagement with an insertion region on a prop head, or that all coupling regions each have a receiving region for engagement with an insertion region on a prop head. The aforementioned insertion region/receiving region engagements, which may, but need not, be configured as interlocking engagements may be implemented in a simple manner when the connector strip is mounted on the prop heads of formwork props. The insertion region/receiving region engagements are very robust. The effort required to manufacture the connector strip and the prop heads is comparatively low.

The connector strip according to the invention as disclosed in the previous part of the description can further be characterized in that it has, in the cross-section, a leg that is horizontal in use and a leg that is vertical in use; and that at least a portion of the coupling regions is positioned laterally on the leg that is vertical in use. This basic shape of the connector strip is a good prerequisite for the secure positioning of the connector strip on the formwork props.

The connector strip according to the invention can have a main body made of metal, in particular aluminum, including aluminum alloys. The main body can be an extrusion part made of metal to which other parts are attached.

The connector strip according to the invention can be configured such that its top is provided as part of the shaping surface of the slab formwork. In this case, the connector strip is a functional component of the formwork skin of the slab formwork. The top of the connector strip can be equipped with a formwork skin. This can be accomplished by attaching a formwork skin strip at the top.

The connector strip according to the invention can have at least one contact region which is provided for contact with a wall, in particular a building wall. On the basis of this feature, a connection function of the connector strip on the wall can be achieved particularly well and an especially reliable positioning of the connector strip relative to the wall can be achieved.

The connector strip according to the invention, as disclosed in the previous part of the description, can further be characterized in that the distances between the coupling regions are such that an engagement with the prop heads of formwork props, which stand in the center distance for the width of slab formwork panels, is possible. The connector strip configured in this manner requires, due to its mounting on the prop heads of the respective formwork props, that the formwork props stand in defined center distances that correspond to the respective width of slab formwork panels. As a result, the slab formwork panels adjoining the connector strip can be set up in a particularly simple manner.

The connector strip according to the invention, as disclosed in the previous part of the description, can further be characterized in that, when coupled with the respective prop head, it essentially covers only half the width of the prop head, which is measured transversely to the longitudinal direction of the connector strip. This does not rule out that the width, which is measured transversely to its longitudinal extension, is greater than half of the referenced prop head width, in which case a part of the width of the connector strip projects beyond the prop head. The so-called “half coverage” makes it possible to cover the other half of the prop head width with the edge region of a formwork panel or the corner sections of two formwork panels side-by-side.

Another object of the invention is an assembly which comprises at least one formwork prop for a slab formwork and a connector strip according to the invention coupled with the prop head of at least one formwork prop as disclosed in the previous part of the description, characterized in that the connector strip rests with its underside on the prop head, and one of the end coupling regions of the connector strip engages with a counter-coupling region of the prop head. This assembly can be implemented in such a way that two formwork props are provided for a slab formwork, and that the connector strip is coupled with one of its two end coupling regions to the two formwork props in the manner referenced.

In a further embodiment, at least one further formwork prop can be provided between the two formwork props referenced, with the underside of the connector strip resting on the prop head of the further formwork prop, and with an intermediate coupling region of the connector strip engaging with a counter-coupling region of the prop head of the further formwork prop.

In the formwork prop connector strip assembly as disclosed in the previous part of the description, the embodiment can be such that the two formwork props, which are assigned to the two end coupling regions of the connector strip, are secured with a securing device, for example a tripod, whereas the other formwork prop(s), which is (are) assigned to the intermediate coupling region(s) of the connector strip, can be configured without a securing device, but can also be configured with a securing device. The assembly according to the invention can be implemented in such a way that the connector strip defines the mutual spacing of the formwork props as a result of its positioning on formwork props, for example a distance or distances suitable for the width or widths of slab formwork panels.

The assembly, as disclosed in the previous part of the description, may also comprise at least one slab formwork panel which rests on each of its two corner sections adjacent to the connector strip, on the prop head of a respective formwork prop assigned to the connector strip and which engages with this prop head. The connector strip thus represents an initial component of a slab formwork; it creates a connection between the slab formwork and a wall, for example; it creates a transition between the wall and slab formwork panels, for example. The height of the connector strip may be such that its top and the top of the at least one slab formwork panel are essentially in one plane.

In the formwork prop connector strip assembly, as disclosed in the previous part of the description, the configuration may be such that the connector strip essentially covers only half of the width of the prop head of the at least one formwork prop, which is measured transversely to the longitudinal direction of the connector strip. This does not rule out that the width of the connector strip, which is measured transversely to its longitudinal extension, is greater than half of the referenced prop head width, in which case a part of the width of the connector strip projects beyond the prop head. The remaining width of the prop head can be used for the edge region of a slab formwork panel or the corner sections of two adjacent slab formwork panels. The top of the connector strip and the top(s) of this slab formwork panel or these slab formwork panels then form a portion of a shaping surface for the concrete.

The formwork props provided in the assembly according to the invention and assigned to the connector strip may have prop heads which each have a lowering region on the side facing the at least one adjacent formwork panel, which can be lowered relative to the rest of the prop head to lower the two corner sections of the at least one slab formwork panel adjacent to the connector strip.

In the assembly according to the invention as disclosed in the previous part of the description, the feature “in engagement” can be designed such that it becomes “in positive engagement.”

Another object of the invention is a method for building at least a portion of a slab formwork, which has a connector strip as disclosed in the previous part of the description, which is characterized by the following steps:

(a) placement of a first formwork prop next to a wall;

(b) placement of a second formwork prop next to the wall, essentially at the center distance specified by the two end coupling regions of the connector strip; and

(c) placement of the connector strip on the first and the second formwork prop, wherein one end coupling region of the connector strip is brought in engagement with a counter-coupling region of a prop head of the respective formwork prop, and wherein said engagements define the center distance between the first and the second formwork prop in the portion of the slab formwork.

As already stated above, it is possible in this regard as well to provide each of the first and the second formwork props with a securing device.

This method may also include the subsequent step:

(d) placement of at least one further formwork prop next to the wall between the first and the second formwork prop, with an intermediate coupling region of the connector strip being brought in engagement with a counter-coupling region of a prop head of the at least one further formwork prop, and with said engagement defining the positioning of the at least one other formwork prop in the portion of the slab formwork. Said engagements thus define the center distances between the formwork props assigned to the connector strip. These center distances can be adjusted for the width or—possibly even different—widths of slab formwork panels.

As a further step, the method according to the invention may include the:

(e) attachment of a retaining element between the wall and the connector strip, which holds the connector strip against the wall. The retaining element can be configured in such a way that it not only prevents the connector strip from moving away from the wall, but also ensures that the spatial position of the connector strip, in particular the alignment of the top of the connector strip as part of the—usually horizontal—shaping surface of the slab formwork, is maintained.

The method according to the invention as disclosed in the previous part of the description may include the following further step:

(f) that a slab formwork panel or several slab formwork panels of a row of slab formwork panels are each hung at two corner sections on the prop heads of two adjacent formwork props assigned to the connector strip, and then pivoted upwards with the two other, non-hung corner sections, and that they are propped up by a formwork prop at at least one of these two other corner sections. The “propping up of the respective formwork panel at these two other corner sections, each with a formwork prop” may also be done in two steps, namely first by propping them up with a formwork prop at one of the two other corner sections, then hanging and pivoting the adjacent slab formwork panel of the row of slab formwork panels upward, and then placing another formwork prop, which props up the second of the two other corner sections and a first of the two other corner sections of the adjacent slab formwork panel. This procedure will become even clearer in the exemplary embodiments below.

Another object of the invention is a method for removing at least a portion of a slab formwork, which is a connector strip according to the invention, as disclosed in the previous part of the description, and possibly comprises a slab formwork panel or several slab formwork panels of a row of slab formwork panels that are adjacent to the connector strip,

characterized by the following steps:

(g) if necessary, removal of the slab formwork panel or slab formwork panels that are adjacent to the connector strip;

(h) if necessary, removal of the at least one further formwork prop which is assigned to the connector strip; and

removal of the connector strip from the prop heads of the first and second formwork props and removal of the first and second formwork props.

The last-referenced method has the advantageous effect that, at the end of the removal or stripping of the slab formwork, an assembly consisting of a connector strip and a row of formwork props assigned to the connector strip will remain in place. This assembly remains stable due to the stability of at least some of these formwork props without anyone having to hold them in any way. Then, even just one person can finish the dismantling process without any haste. There are two options for step (i): First remove the connector strip from the prop heads of the first and second formwork props and then remove the first and second formwork props. Alternatively, first remove the first or the second formwork prop, then remove the connector strip from the prop head of the other of these two formwork props, and finally remove the other of the two formwork props.

It is emphasized that the above-referenced process steps (a) to (f) and (g) to (i) are not intended to establish a mandatory sequence of these steps, although in some of the cases a sequence of steps in accordance with the sequence of steps (a) to (f) or (g) to (i) makes sense, given the technical purpose.

The connector strip may, for example, be placed either basically simultaneously on the first and the second formwork prop, or the connector strip is first placed on the first formwork prop, then pivoted further upwards, and then propped up with the second formwork prop. The retaining element can be attached before or after step (d). Step (i) can be carried out before or after step (h).

Following the construction of a row of slab formwork panels according to step (f), a further row of slab formwork panels or several rows of slab formwork panels can be fashioned in a corresponding manner. The same applies in the reverse order to the removal of at least a portion of a slab formwork.

In many cases, raising the formwork props to a desired or required height is part of the referenced construction of formwork props. In the formwork props that are commonly used in formwork construction, this is often done with a screwing motion, i.e. by adjusting the height of part of the formwork prop using a nut and threaded spindle drive. Accordingly, it will be necessary in at least some of the cases when dismantling or removing the formwork props that at least the part of the prop head on which one or more slab formwork panels or the connector strip rest is lowered. At least in some of the cases, this can be done by lowering a prop section, for example with a nut and threaded spindle drive. The upward movement discussed in this paragraph of the description and the downward movement of a part of the formwork prop discussed in this paragraph will become even clearer in the exemplary embodiments below.

It is emphasized that it is alternatively possible in terms of the invention to start fastening the connector strip to a wall and then to attach the formwork props assigned to the connector strip to the connector strip at the positions specified by the connector strip. According to a further alternative, according to the invention, the connector strip is first attached to the two end formwork props in an assembly situation which does not correspond to the situation described above with upright formwork props next to a wall. In a situation where the two end form props are on the floor, for example, the connector strip can be attached to these formwork props. Then, the assembly is placed in the use position next to a wall, for example by lifting it up from the lying position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention and more specific embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below in connection with exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. The figures show the following:

FIG. 1 a connector strip in a perspective representation, looking obliquely from above onto the top of the connector strip;

FIG. 2 the connector strip of FIG. 1 in a perspective representation, looking obliquely from below onto the connector strip.

FIG. 3 a first side view of the connector strip of FIGS. 1 and 2, shown in the direction of arrow III in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 a second side view of the connector strip of FIGS. 1 and 2, shown in the direction of arrow IV in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 the connector strip of FIGS. 1 and 2, shown in a view from below according to arrow V in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 the connector strip of FIGS. 1 and 2, shown in the direction of one of its front sides according to arrow VI in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 7 to 12 several chronologically successive phases of the construction of a portion of a slab formwork, each in a perspective representation;

FIG. 13 an end view of the connector strip formwork prop assembly from FIG. 8, shown in the direction of arrow XIII in FIG. 8 and on a larger scale;

FIG. 14 a detail from FIG. 13, according to circle A and on a larger scale;

FIG. 15 the connector strip formwork prop assembly of FIG. 9, in a perspective view, shown in the direction of arrow XV in FIG. 13 and on a larger scale.

FIG. 16 the connector strip formwork prop assembly of FIG. 9, in a perspective view, shown in the direction of arrow XVI in FIG. 13 and on a larger scale.

FIG. 17 a detail from FIG. 16, according to circle B on a larger scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The connector strip 2 shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 is largely made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. In this embodiment, it has a length of 300 cm. Connector strips 2 with longer or shorter lengths are possible; normally, the manufacturer offers an assortment of connector strips 2 staggered in length.

Roughly speaking, the connector strip 2 has a T-shaped cross section, as can best be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 on the front side and in FIG. 6. The “T” has one horizontal leg 4 when using the connector strip 2 and one vertical leg 6 when using the connector strip 2. The vertical leg 6 has for about ⅓ of its height, where it adjoins the horizontal leg 4, a wider region 8 with a width—measured transversely to the longitudinal extension of the horizontal leg 4 and the vertical leg 6—which is greater than the width in the lower part of the vertical leg 6. In its cross-section, the wider region 8 has the shape of a substantially square hollow profile, which has a longitudinally extending central slot on its top, which takes up a large part of the width of the wider region 8. A strip 10 made of wood or plastic is inserted in the longitudinal direction into the cavity of the hollow profile. Screws 12 are screwed into this strip 10 from above through the horizontal leg 4 and through said slot, causing the horizontal leg 4 to be fastened to the vertical leg 6. The vertical leg 6 is, apart from the referenced strip 10, an extrusion part made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

In the angular space between a long side of the wider region 8 and the underside of the horizontal leg 4, a further strip 14 made of wood or plastic is attached by horizontal screws 16 which pass through the hollow profile into the said strip 10. FIG. 4 shows that the further strip 14 consists of several sections. The further strip 14 has an approximately square cross-section. The side of the further strip 14 pointing away from the wider region 8 is vertically aligned with the adjoining long side of the horizontal leg 4.

The connector strip 2 has a total of four coupling regions 20, 22 for positive engagement, each with a coupling region, which will be described below, at a prop head of a formwork prop. Two of the coupling regions are end coupling regions 20, which are provided in a longitudinal end region of the connector strip 2. The other two coupling regions are intermediate coupling regions 22 which are provided between the two end coupling regions 20 on the connector strip 2. The four coupling regions 20, 22 can be seen in particular in the bottom view of the connector strip 2 in FIG. 5. The intermediate connection regions 22 can also be seen well in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 2 shows the lower end regions 24 of the end coupling regions 20. The lower end regions 24 project downward beyond the lower end of the vertical leg 6 and are slightly beveled on two sides. The two end coupling regions 20 and their end regions 24 projecting downwards can also be seen well in FIGS. 4 and 6. The two intermediate coupling regions 22 can be seen well in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 6.

Each of the coupling regions 20 and 22 represents an insertion region which is accommodated during the assembly of the connector strip 2 with prop heads of formwork props to be described further below, in one receiving region of the respective prop head.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the coupling regions 20 and 22 is divided into two pins 21 and 23, which are vertical in use and which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the connector strip 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the two pins 21 of the respective end coupling region 20 are a common component made of metal, which is fastened on the side of the vertical leg 6 of the connector strip 2, for example by screws. In the illustrated embodiment, the two pins 23 of the respective intermediate coupling region 22 are each a separate component made of metal, which is fastened on the side of the vertical leg 6 of the connector strip 2, for example by screws. In horizontal cross-section, the pins 21 and 23 each have essentially the shape of a hollow square with an attached fastening region for fastening to the connector strip 2. The pin components can be made from bent sheet metal, in particular sheet steel.

The pins 21 of the end coupling regions 20 are located on one of the two long sides of the vertical leg 6, whereas the intermediate coupling regions 22 are located on the opposite side of the vertical leg 6.

Furthermore, there are three positioning regions 26 on the length of the connector strip 2 in the embodiment shown. Each of the positioning regions 26 is divided into two pins 27, spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the connector strip 2 and vertical when the connector strip 2 is in use. The two pins 27 of each positioning region are combined to form a common component which, in the illustrated embodiment, is made from bent sheet metal, in particular sheet steel, and is fastened by screws laterally on the same side of the vertical leg 6 of the connector strip 2 as the end coupling regions. The pins 27 have each essentially the shape of a hollow trapezoid in the horizontal cross-section.

The pins 23 and 27 do not protrude downward from the lower end of the vertical leg 6. The pins 21, 23, 27 are not free all around, but are each closely positioned on one side of the vertical leg 6, as can be seen well in the drawings.

The distance between the left front end of the connector strip 2 in FIG. 5 and the center 30 of the next intermediate coupling region 22 is 1 m. The distance between the centers 30 of the two intermediate coupling regions is the same. The distance between the center of the intermediate coupling region 22 on the right in FIG. 5 and the front end of the connector strip 2 on the right in FIG. 5 is the same as well. The respective distance between the center 28 of an end coupling region 20 and the center 30 of the adjacent intermediate coupling region is a little less than 1 m. The positioning regions 26 are each approximately in the middle of the two adjacent coupling regions 20 and 22.

FIGS. 7 to 12 show—by means of a graphical representation of a number of consecutive construction phases—how a connector strip 2 is constructed and then how a series of slab formwork panels 40 is constructed.

It is pointed out that the connector strip 2 shown in FIGS. 7 to 17 is designed differently in some details than the connector strip 2 shown in FIGS. 1 to 6. This applies in particular to the fact that, in the connector strip 2 shown in FIGS. 7 to 17, the vertical leg 6 of the connector strip 2 consists of wood instead of metal, and that pieces of wood 32 or plastic 32 are provided instead of the positioning regions 26 (see FIG. 15). However, FIGS. 7 to 17 clearly show how the connector strip 2 shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 can be used as well.

In FIGS. 7 to 12, a corner of a room is shown schematically, with a floor 50 (=for example a ceiling of a room underneath), a first wall 52 and a second wall 54 running perpendicular to said wall. The two walls 52 and 54 together form a corner of the room.

In the first phase shown in FIG. 7, a first formwork prop 60 has been set up just next to the second wall 54 and a second formwork prop 62 just next to the second wall 54. The first formwork prop 60 is also just next to the first wall 52, i.e. tightly in the corner of the room. Each of the two formwork props 60 and 62 is equipped with a securing device 64 in the form of an adjustable tripod, so that the formwork props 60 and 62 are able to stand vertically without having to be held. The center distance of the formwork props 60 and 62 (i.e. the horizontal distance between the vertical central axes of the formwork props 60 and 62) is slightly less than 3 m in the illustrated embodiment. It is understood that, in the case of a connector strip 2 of a different length, the formwork props 60 and 62 must be set up at a correspondingly greater or smaller distance. To set up the formwork props 60 and 62 at the correct distance, the connector strip 2 can be placed on the floor, but it is also possible to proceed differently.

For the sake of brevity, the term “prop” will be used from now on instead of “formwork prop.”

FIG. 7 further illustrates how the connector strip 2 can be placed on the previously provided props 60 and 62 by just one person (with other types of placement of the connector strip 2 being possible). The connector strip 2 was first placed on a prop head 61 of the first prop 60 from above in a slightly inclined position. Then, using a shuttering aid 66 (such as a rod, the length of which is a little less than the height of the specific room), the connector strip 2 is held at a point that is not very far from the right end of the connector strip 2 in FIG. 7. By means of the shuttering aid 66, a worker is able to lift this right end of the connector strip 2 somewhat higher than a prop head 63 of the second prop 62 and then place it on the prop head 63 from above; refer to the second phase shown in FIG. 8.

The described placement of the connector strip 2 on the prop heads 61 and 63 takes place in such a way that the left end coupling region 20 of the connector strip 2 in FIG. 7 comes in positive engagement with a receiving region 70 of the first prop 60 (see in particular FIG. 14) and that the right end coupling region 20 of the connector strip in FIG. 7 comes in positive engagement with a receiving region 70 on the prop head 63 of the second prop 62 (see in particular FIG. 14).

The props 60, 62, etc. shown in FIGS. 7 to 17 each have a positioning extension 72 which projects upwards in the center of the prop head 61, 63, etc., see in particular FIGS. 14 and 17. As can be seen particularly clearly in FIGS. 13 and 14, the connector strip 2 is lowered with its vertical leg 6 into the space between the second wall 54 and the positioning extensions 72 of the prop heads 61 and 63 in such a way that the positioning regions 26 of the connector strip 2 rest against the second wall 54 with the their side 29 facing away from the vertical leg 6. When the left end coupling region 20 of the connector strip 2 in FIG. 7 is brought in engagement with the receiving region 70 of the prop head 61, the two pins 21 of this end coupling region 20 each arrive at a receiving space between two essentially vertical flanges 74 of the prop head 61. This can be seen at the top right in FIG. 15. In addition, one has to imagine that the four flanges 76, which can be seen in FIG. 17, are also essentially inversely present on the other side of the prop head 61, that is to say behind the positioning extension 72 and behind the vertical leg 6 of the connector strip 2 which hides the flanges 74. The engagement of the two pins 21 in the two receiving spaces described there creates a positive engagement between the connector strip 2 and the prop head 61 with regard to forces that act in the longitudinal direction of the connector strip 2.

FIG. 15 in particular shows that the connector strip 2 at the right end there (=left end in FIGS. 7 to 12) extends beyond the receiving region of the prop head 61 with the four flanges 74 described in the direction of the length of the connector strip 2. As a result, the connector strip 2 can be constructed with its front end against the first wall 52. The connector strip 2 covers the entire width of the first prop head 61 measured in the longitudinal direction of the connector strip 2.

With regard to the second prop head 63 of the second prop 62, the respective end coupling region 20 of the connector strip 2 only uses the pin 21 which is closer to the front end of the connector strip 2 for engagement with a receiving region 70 of the second prop head 63. For this engagement, only the space used between two flanges 74 of the prop head 63 is used. The space between the two further flanges 74 on the side of the second prop 62 facing the second wall 54 (initially) remains free. The connector strip 2 covers only half of the width of the prop head 63 measured in the longitudinal direction of the connector strip 2. Even when, however, only half the width of the prop head is used, a positive engagement between the connector strip 2 and the prop head 63 is created with respect to forces in the longitudinal direction of the connector strip 2.

After the described placement of the connector strip 2 on the prop heads 61 and 63, the lower end of the vertical leg 6 of the connector strip 2 rests on the bearing surfaces 78 of the prop heads 61 and 63, see FIG. 14. The pins 21 of the end coupling regions 20 project further downward than the level of the bearing surfaces 78, which facilitates the “threading” of the end regions 24 of the pins 21 into the space between two flanges 74. In the direction according to the double arrow A in FIG. 14, i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the connector strip 2, the vertical leg 6 of the connector strip 2 is locked between the positioning extension 72 and the surface of the second wall 54 facing the room. This ensures that the vertical leg 6 is aligned vertically throughout and that the top of the horizontal leg 4 of the connector strip 2 is in a horizontal plane. Since the connector strip 2 rests against the second wall 54 with its longitudinal edge or a longitudinal edge of the further strip 14 attached to it, it becomes difficult for liquid concrete to seep through between the second wall 54 and the connector strip 2.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show particularly clearly that the connector strip 2, more specifically its horizontal leg 4, essentially only covers half the width of the respective prop head 61, 63, 81, if measured transversely to the longitudinal extension of the connector strip 2, so that the other half of this width can be covered by an edge region of a slab formwork panel 40 placed on top or by two corner sections 90 and 92 of two slab formwork panels 40 placed side by side. The tops of the connector strip 2 and the slab formwork panels 40 referenced lie in a common plane and, directly adjacent to one another, together form a portion of a shaping surface for concrete.

It can be seen that the first prop 60 and the second prop 62, as is customary in formwork props, are provided with an option to adjust the height of the prop heads 61 and 63, in the illustrated embodiment by means of an external thread at the upper end region of a lower prop section 85, and an inner threaded sleeve 82 in threaded engagement, the upper front side of which acts on a bolt 84 which passes through one of several horizontal bores in an upper prop section 86. FIGS. 7, 15 and 16 show particularly well what was described above. The height of the respective prop head 61 or 63 is adjusted by rotating the inner threaded sleeve 82.

Before proceeding with the construction of at least a portion of a slab formwork, the props 60 and 62 are adjusted so that the top of the horizontal leg 4 of the connector strip 2 has the desired height (=height of the underside of the slab to be cast) and extends horizontally between the two props 60 and 62.

In the third phase shown in FIG. 9, two further props 80 have been placed between the two props 60 and 62. The further props 80 are constructed in the same way as the props 60 and 62, but do not have a securing device 64. In each of the two further props 80, the prop head 81 has been brought in positive engagement with a receiving region 83, each with one of the two intermediate coupling regions 22. This engagement is best seen in FIGS. 16 and 17. The receiving region 83 used for this engagement is—in the viewing direction of FIG. 17—delimited on the left and right by a flange 85 which projects upwards and, with the exception of its foot region, obliquely outward and away from said flange. The positioning extension 72 is also located in the space between the two flanges 85, but the respective part of its height has some room between the two pins 23. The two pins 23 each exactly fit with their outer side 87, which faces a front end of the connector strip 2, between the foot regions of the two flanges 85, which creates the respective positive engagement. The pins 23 do not protrude downward from the vertical leg 6 of the connector strip 2. It can thus be seen that the receiving region 83 of the respective further prop 80 for the intermediate coupling region 22 of the connector strip 2, which is configured as an engagement region, is a receiving region that is configured differently than the receiving region 70 described above for the end coupling region 20 of the connector strip 2 configured as an insertion region.

As a result of the engagement of the prop head 81 of each of the two further props 80 with an intermediate coupling region 22, the two further props 80 are inevitably located at a center distance of 1 m between each other and the further prop 80 on the right in FIG. 9 is inevitably located at a center distance of 1 m from the prop 62. The center distance between the prop 60 and the further prop 80 on the left in FIG. 9 is slightly less than 1 m (because the connector strip 2 completely covers the width of the prop head 61, measured in the longitudinal direction of the connector strip 2). The engagement of the coupling regions 20 and 22 of the connector strip 2 with the four prop heads 61, 63, 81, 81 of the four props 60, 62, 80, 80 assigned to the connector strip 2 demands or defines that the props are all in the described center distances. The further props 80 can each be set up by just one worker. The further props 80 are screwed up or down until they have the correct height.

FIG. 9 furthermore shows that a retaining element 86 has been attached to the second wall 54. The retaining element 86 has the shape of a substantially vertically running rail. At its upper end, the retaining element 86 has a lug 88 which can be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the retaining element 86 and which, in the extended state, comes in contact with the side surface of the vertical leg 6 of the connector strip 2 which faces away from the second wall 54 (see in particular FIG. 16). This way, the retaining element 86 holds the connector strip 2 against the second wall 54.

In the fourth phase shown in FIG. 10, a slab formwork panel 40 with two corner sections 90 and 92 is hung on the prop head 61 of the first prop 60 and on the prop head 81 of the adjacent prop 80. As can be seen in particular in FIG. 14, the four flanges 76, which are provided on the side of the respective prop head 61 or 81 facing away from the second wall 54, have sections that protrude above the level of the bearing surface 78 and also have small lugs 90 pointing towards the connector strip 2 at the upper end. The corner sections 90 and 92 of the slab formwork panel 40 can thus each be hung in the space between the positioning extension 72 and the upwardly projecting regions of the flanges 76. The corner section 90 occupies the entire width of the prop head 61, measured in the longitudinal direction of the connector strip 2, and the corner section 92 occupies only half of the width of the prop head 81, which is measured in the same way. The suspended slab formwork panel 40 initially hangs down.

In the fifth phase shown in FIG. 11, the slab formwork panel 40 with its two other corner sections 94 and 96 is pivoted upwards with the help of a shuttering aid 66. Such a shuttering aid 66 was already described in connection with FIG. 7. FIG. 11, however, shows more clearly that the rod-like shuttering aid 66 telescopically consists of two sections which are displaceable relative to one another, so that the effective length of the shuttering aid 66 can be adjusted. By means of the shuttering aid 66, a worker can pivot the slab formwork panel 40 into a position that is substantially either horizontal or even pivoted upward. Then a further prop 80 is positioned on the corner section 94 adjacent to the first wall 52 (with the final result being shown in the sixth phase of FIG. 12). The prop head 81 of this further prop 80 is designed in the same way as the previously described prop heads 61, 63, 81, 81, so that a form-fitting engagement between the corner section 94 and the prop head 81 of the last-placed, further prop 80 is possible.

FIG. 11 also shows that two further slab formwork panels 40 have been hung on the prop heads 81 and 63 of the two further props 80 or the second prop 62, each with the two corner sections 90 and 92. In the sixth phase shown in FIG. 12, the second formwork panel 40 has been pivoted upward and a common further prop 80 has been brought into position for the corner section 96 of the first formwork panel 40 and for the corner section 94 of the second formwork panel 40. It goes without saying that the further props 80 of the second series of props, which are a little more than one formwork panel length away from the second wall 54, are screwed up or down in such a way that the formwork panels 40 of this first series of formwork panels are all in a horizontal position.

The portion of a slab formwork visible in FIG. 12, which contains four props 60, 62, 80, 80 next to the second wall 54 and a second series of props 98 and three slab formwork panels 40 spaced apart from the second wall 54 in the manner described, can be continuously extended in the longitudinal direction of the second wall 54. To this end, a prop with a securing device is placed in addition to the second wall 54 essentially at a distance of the length of a further connector strip 2. Then, the further connector strip 2, aligned with the connector strip 2 described above, is placed on two props in the manner described. Then, the first series of slab formwork panels 40 along the second wall 54 can continue to be constructed.

The section of the slab formwork containing a first series of slab formwork panels 40 can also be further constructed with a second, third, etc. series of slab formwork panels 40. For this purpose, the slab formwork panels 40 are hung in the prop heads 81 of the second row of props 80 in the manner described, pivoted upwards and propped up with props 80 at the corner sections that are pivoted upwards. This process can be continued until the entire slab formwork is completed, if necessary with the help of fitting pieces.

It must be emphasized again at this point that the described length of the connector strip 2 and the described number of coupling regions 20 and 22 of the connector strip 2 constitute an exemplary embodiment. According to the invention, longer or shorter connector strips 2 are provided as well. The number of coupling regions 20 and 22 depends for which slab formwork panel widths and for how many slab formwork panels 40 the connector strip 2 is configured. Connector strips 2 that have only two end coupling regions 20 and no intermediate coupling region 22, that is to say are only configured for a single slab formwork panel width are possible as well. It is also possible to configure connector strips 2 such that the coupling regions are at different distances from one another, so that slab formwork panels 40 of different widths are connected to one and the same connector strip 2.

When removing or striking a portion of a slab formwork, the procedure previously described for the construction of the portion of the slab formwork is reversed. Only the dismantling or removal of the first row of slab formwork panels that connects to the connector strip 2 is described in more detail here. For this purpose, it is first described that the prop heads 61, 63, 81, 81 of the props 60, 62, 80, 80 referenced each have a lowering region 92, as can be seen in particular in FIG. 14. The four flanges 76 with the four lugs 90 can be pivoted downward together with the bearing surface 78, for example, by 30° after a wedge plate 95 has been moved into a position that releases the pivoting lowering. As a result, the edge girder assigned to the two corner sections 90 and 92 of the respective slab formwork panel 40 is moved to a lower position. The respective slab formwork panel 40 can be pivoted downward with its two corner sections 94 and 96 without one of the connector strips 2 adjacent to the edge region of the formwork skin of the slab formwork panel 40 digging into the concrete of the cast ceiling from below.

Here, only the removal of the left-most slab formwork panel 40 of the first row of formwork panels, which connects to the connector strip 2, is described in more detail in FIG. 11 as a representative example. The slab formwork panels 40 of the further slab formwork panel rows and the second slab formwork panel 40 and the third slab formwork panel 40 of the first slab formwork panel row were correspondingly removed beforehand.

In addition to the corner sections 94 and 96, replacement props (not shown) were placed somewhat further away from the connector strip 2 than the corner sections 94 and 96, which prop up the cast ceiling there. The replacement props are props with prop heads that are constructed much more simply than the prop heads 61, 63, 81; these simpler prop heads are placed directly against the cast ceiling from below and prop it up there. Therefore, the prop heads 81 of the props 80, whose prop heads 81 prop up the corner sections 94 and 96, can be screwed slightly downward. A shuttering aid 66 is applied. The lowering regions 92 of the prop heads 61 and 80, which are in engagement with the corner sections 90 and 92, are pivotally lowered by releasing the wedge plate 95. Now, the slab formwork panel 40 can be pivoted downward with its corner sections 94 and 96 with the help of the shuttering aid 66. Then the corner sections 90 and 92 are unhooked from the prop heads 61 and 81 and the slab formwork panel 40 is removed.

Then, replacement props are placed and screwed upward against the cast ceiling in addition to the props 60, 62, 80, 80 of the first row of props at a somewhat greater distance from the second wall 54 than these props. In many cases, it is not necessary to provide replacement props because the cast ceiling is adequately propped up by the second wall.

First, the further props 80 are removed. For this purpose, the prop heads 81 are screwed slightly downward. Then the further props 80 can easily be removed. The retaining element 86 is removed. Now, the assembly consisting of the end props 60 and 62 and the connector strip 2 stands by itself and can easily be removed. The prop heads 61 and 63 are screwed slightly downward. With the help of a shuttering aid 66, the connector strip 2 is removed in the reverse manner described for its assembly.

The described removal of a portion of the slab formwork was carried out as so-called early stripping. This is the stripping of a cast concrete ceiling a few days after the concrete was poured, but long before it has reached its final strength, which is achieved when it has set completely. All the props with the elaborate prop heads that have been described are successively replaced by replacement props with simple prop heads that go directly against the concrete ceiling from below and can then be removed prop by prop.

It is expressly emphasized that the described combination of the connector strip 2 and the ceiling formwork panels 40 with props 60, 62, 80, which have elaborately configured prop heads 61, 63, 81, is only one of several possibilities. The connector strip 2 according to the invention can be combined with many types of prop heads and with other types of slab formwork panels. There some early stripping methods, in which the props used for the construction of the slab formwork are left standing for example with props equipped with prop head and the slab formwork panels are removed from these props. The connector strip 2 according to the invention can be used in such surroundings as well. The connector strip 2 according to the invention can also be used for slab formwork in which early stripping is to be avoided. 

1. A connector strip for slab formwork, comprising a plurality of spaced coupling regions for engagement with prop heads of formwork props.
 2. The connector strip according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of spaced coupling regions for positive engagement with prop heads of formwork props.
 3. The connector strip according to claim 1, comprising in each of its two longitudinal end regions an end coupling region for engagement with the prop head of a formwork prop.
 4. The connector strip according to claim 3, wherein the respective end coupling region is configured such that, when coupled to the respective prop head, the connector strip either substantially covers only half the width of the prop head, measured in the longitudinal direction of the connector strip, or covers the entire width of the prop head.
 5. The connector strip according to claim 3, comprising at least one intermediate coupling region for engagement with the prop head of a formwork prop between the two end coupling regions.
 6. The connector strip according to claim 5, wherein the at least one intermediate coupling region has a configuration that is different from the configuration of the end coupling regions.
 7. The connector strip according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the coupling regions has an insertion region for engagement with a receiving region on a prop head, or that all coupling regions each comprise an insertion region for engagement with a receiving region on a prop head.
 8. The connector strip according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the coupling regions has a receiving region for engagement with an insertion region on a respective prop head, or that all coupling regions each have a receiving region for engagement with an insertion region on a prop head.
 9. The connector strip according to claim 1, comprising, in the cross-section, a leg that is horizontal in use and a leg that is vertical in use; and that at least a portion of the coupling regions is positioned laterally on the leg that is vertical in use.
 10. The connector strip according to claim 1, wherein it is substantially made of metal.
 11. The connector strip according to claim 1, wherein a top is provided as part of the shaping surface of the slab formwork.
 12. The connector strip according to claim 11, wherein it is equipped with a formwork skin on the top.
 13. The connector strip according to claim 1, wherein it has at least one contact region which is provided for contact with a wall.
 14. The connector strip according to claim 1, wherein the distances between the coupling regions are such that an engagement with the prop heads of formwork props, which stand in the center distance for the width of slab formwork panels, is possible.
 15. The connector strip according to claim 1, wherein it is configured such that, when coupled to the respective prop head, it essentially covers only half the width of the prop head, measured across the longitudinal direction of the connector strip.
 16. An assembly which has at least one formwork prop for a slab formwork and a connector strip coupled to the prop head of the at least one formwork prop according to claim 1, wherein the connector strip rests with its underside on the prop head and one of the end coupling regions of the connector strip engages with a counter-coupling region of the prop head.
 17. The assembly according to claim 16, wherein two formwork props are provided for a slab formwork and the connector strip is coupled with the two formwork props; and that at least one further formwork prop can be provided between the two formwork props, with the underside of the connector strip resting on the prop head of the further formwork prop and with an intermediate coupling region of the connector strip engaging with a counter-coupling region of the prop head of the further formwork prop.
 18. The assembly according to claim 16, comprising at least one slab formwork panel, which rests, on each of its two corner sections adjacent to the connector strip, on the prop head of a respective formwork prop assigned to the connector strip and which engages with this prop head.
 19. The assembly according to claim 18, wherein the height of the connector strip is such that its top and the top of the at least one slab formwork panel are essentially in one plane.
 20. The assembly according to claim 16, wherein the connector strip essentially covers only half of the width of the prop head of the at least one formwork prop, which is measured transversely to the longitudinal direction of the connector strip.
 21. The assembly according to claim 16, wherein the prop heads of the formwork props assigned to the connector strip have a lowering region on the side facing the at least one slab formwork panel, which can be lowered relative to the rest of the prop head to lower the two corner sections of the at least one slab formwork panel adjacent to the connector strip.
 22. (canceled)
 23. A method for construction at least a portion of a slab formwork which has a connector strip according to claim 1, comprising: (a) placement of a first formwork prop next to a wall; (b) placement of a second formwork prop next to the wall, essentially at the center distance specified by the two end coupling regions of the connector strip; and (c) placement of the connector strip on the first and the second formwork prop, wherein one end coupling region of the connector strip is brought in engagement with a counter-coupling region of a prop head of the respective formwork prop, and wherein said engagements define the center distance between the first and the second formwork prop in the portion of the slab formwork.
 24. The method according to claim 23, comprising: (d) placement of at least one further formwork prop next to the wall between the first and the second formwork prop, with an intermediate coupling region of the connector strip being brought in engagement with a counter-coupling region of a prop head of the at least one further formwork prop, and with said engagement defining the positioning of the at least one other formwork prop in the portion of the slab formwork.
 25. The method according to claim 23, comprising: (e) attachment of a retaining element between the wall and the connector strip, which holds the connector strip against the wall.
 26. The method according to claim 23, comprising: (f) that a slab formwork panel or several slab formwork panels of a row of slab formwork panels are each hung at two corner sections on the prop heads of two adjacent formwork props assigned to the connector strip, and then pivoted upwards with the two other, non-hung corner sections and that they are propped up by a formwork prop at at least one of these two other corner sections.
 27. A method for removing at least a portion of a slab formwork, comprising a connector strip according to claim 1 and a slab formwork panel or several slab formwork panels of a row of slab formwork panels which are adjacent to the connector strip, comprising: (g) removal of the slab formwork panel or slab formwork panels that are adjacent to the connector strip; (h) removal of the at least one further formwork prop which is assigned to the connector strip; and (i) removal of the connector strip from the prop heads of the first and second formwork props and removal of the first and second formwork props. 